Sue Officials Withholding Information under Freedom of Information Act – Osinoiki

Mrs. Osinoiki Oluwaseun, an official of the Public Relations Unit of NYSC Lagos State and the desk officer of the Community Development Service group on Freedom of Information Act, has informed the members of the 2023 Batch “C” Stream II Orientation Course in Lagos State to take action officials hoarding information.

Mrs Osinoiki gave the charge while speaking to the corps members at the Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja earlier this week, noting that members of the public have the right to request certain information from public officials, government parastatals, and even private firms.

She emphasized that these corps members have the right to take legal action against officials who refuse to disclose public information, even after they have requested such information using the Freedom of Information Act.

The Freedom of Information Act is an act enacted to make public records and information accessible for members of the public,It was enacted during the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration in May 2011.

However, she pointed out that not all information can be disclosed even after requesting it through FOIA..

It is prohibited to disclose confidential information, including trade secrets and private details of officials, to the general public.